Glitches In Pratt & Whitney Engine Led To Decision

When the first test flight of the Airbus A321neo takes place later this year, it will be powered by CFM International engines rather than Pratt & Whitney powerplants. But the company still plans to deliver A321neo aircraft with the P&W engines later this year.

Airbus spokesman Stefan Schaffrath said the engine used on the first test flight was not a matter of concern, and many tests are not dependant on the engine type.

The Pratt & Whitney engines have reportedly had cooling issues, according to a report from Bloomberg Business. The Pratt engines have been specified on 28 percent of the A321neos already on the planemakers books, with the CFM International engines preferred by 33 percent of the customers. The rest have not yet made an engine choice.

The issues with the Pratt & Whitney engines require special measures for the engines to reach the right temperature at startup. The problems were cited by Qatar Airways when it refused delivery of the first A320neo in December, saying it would be "months" before it accepts its first of the new single-aisle airliners.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG remains the only carrier to have taken delivery of an A320neo, which came about two weeks behind schedule. Delivery of the first A320neo to IndoGo has also been delayed.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.airbus.com